Ricco "Suave" Rodriguez to face Rothwell in IFL Team Finals

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez will confront Quad-Cities Silverbacks' ace Ben Rothwell on Sept. 20's IFL Team Finals after Rothwell's original opponent, Tom Sauer, was forced off the card due to a biceps injury, it was reported Monday on the IFL Web site.

The real question is what type of condition Rodriguez will be in. If he is in crappy condition like he has been in the past couple years I see Rothwell winning rather quickly, but if Rodriguez shows up in good shape he will absolutely dominate Rothwell.

Sam_Rothstein

9/19/07 4:58:02AM

yeah riccos condition will probably be the biggest factor for this fight

i hope he takes it serious and comes in looking great, i mean hes only like 30 years old and he already has tons of experience

Svartorm

9/19/07 5:10:18PM

I've got Rothwell in this one. Ricco hasn't been the same in damn near 5 years and Rothwell has fought and beaten the better competition as of late. It could still go RRs way, but I think Rothwell is going to get the tko.

biggunds

9/20/07 9:11:43AM

I thought the IFL was made originally for fighters who were not as established "yet". Then I saw Vladamir, Heiron, and now Rodriguez. I know it shouldn't matter and a real fighter will never back away from a challenge but I think it's kinda sh_tty that coaches are bringing in well know fighters on "replacement" for other fighters. I personally think Rothwell will win against Rodriguez because I have a buddy who trained down in Iowa and know someone who is still training there and Rothewell routinely puts Sylvia out of practice. I know that is not saying much!!

Rush

9/20/07 2:54:17PM

Posted by biggunds

I thought the IFL was made originally for fighters who were not as established "yet". Then I saw Vladamir, Heiron, and now Rodriguez. I know it shouldn't matter and a real fighter will never back away from a challenge but I think it's kinda sh_tty that coaches are bringing in well know fighters on "replacement" for other fighters. I personally think Rothwell will win against Rodriguez because I have a buddy who trained down in Iowa and know someone who is still training there and Rothewell routinely puts Sylvia out of practice. I know that is not saying much!!

I always wondered about Heiron. He seems too good for the IFL. I guess it's easy to get used to winning.